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Penn State Football: 15 greatest PSU players of Joe Paterno era

By Josh Yourish

Jan 1, 1983; New Orleans, LA, USA, FILE PHOTO; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno talks to Todd Blackledge (14) against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 1983 Sugar Bowl at the Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 1983; New Orleans, LA, USA, FILE PHOTO; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno talks to Todd Blackledge (14) against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 1983 Sugar Bowl at the Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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No. 3 greatest player of Joe Paterno era: John Cappelletti (1972-73)

  • Career rushing yards: 2,639
  • Career touchdowns: 29
  • 1973 Heisman Trophy
  • 1973 Maxwell Award
  • 1973 Walter Camp Player of the Year
  • 1973 Consensus All-American
  • 1993 College Football Hall of Fame inductee

Penn State has a storied history on the football field, but only one Heisman Trophy winner, John Cappelletti. In 1973 he ran for 1,522 yards and 17 touchdowns on 286 carries. It was just his second season playing at Penn State.

He led Penn State to a perfect 12-0 season and an Orange Bowl win in his acclaimed 1973 season. The Nittany Lions finished No. 5 in the country that year.

His Heisman trophy acceptance speech was unforgettable. He dedicated the award to his younger brother Joey who was dying of leukemia.

Cappelletti was drafted 11th overall by the LA Rams in the 1974 NFL draft.

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